TSMC, Apple’s chip manufacturer, is set to begin trial production of 2 nm processors next week, significantly ahead of schedule. This development raises the exciting possibility that the next-generation production process could align perfectly with the A19 chip for the upcoming iPhone 17. The new technology promises a notable performance boost compared to the current 3 nm process, all while maintaining battery efficiency.

Even though the A-series and M-series processors feature the Apple name and are designed in Cupertino, TSMC produces these chips utilizing its advanced technology. Apple’s choice to partner with the Taiwanese foundry stems from TSMC’s capacity to consistently shrink chip components every few years. This enhancement enables higher processing speeds while minimizing waste heat, which is crucial for Apple’s devices.

The upcoming A18 processor, expected to power the iPhone 16 series this fall, will be manufactured using an updated 3 nm process, touted as “the industry’s most advanced semiconductor technology” by TSMC. Looking ahead, a major shift could occur with the anticipated arrival of the A19 chip in the 2025 iPhone. Initially, TSMC projected that it would start 2 nm chip production in the latter half of 2025, seemingly too late for incorporation into the iPhone 17.

However, reports suggest that the foundry is now ready to begin trial production sooner than expected, which could enable the A19 chip to utilize this advanced technology in time for its release. If everything aligns, the iPhone 17 may very well be the first smartphone—or any consumer device—equipped with a 2 nm processor. TSMC’s N2 technology promises unmatched advancements in both density and energy efficiency, ensuring significant benefits in energy-efficient computing.